Illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in residential area busted in Palghar 3 booked

Palghar, Nov 6 (PTI) An illegal firecracker manufacturing unit operating in a crowded residential and commercial area in Virar East in Palghar district was busted by police ahead of Diwali, leading to seizure of contraband, raw materials, and equipment worth approximately Rs 13 lakh, an official said on Friday.

The action was taken on Thursday, the Crime Branch official said, adding that three persons have been booked in this regard.

"The illegal firecracker manufacturing operation was set up on the upper floor of a shop named 'Merchant Enterprises' on Chandansar Road. While the ground floor operated as a retail shop, crackers were illegally manufactured on the upper levels and sold directly from the premises," he said.

During the raid, police found 17 workers engaged in producing fireworks under dangerous conditions, using large quantities of explosive chemicals and raw materials, he added.

"It is suspected that the accused were also using popular brand names to manufacture counterfeit firecrackers. Police seized contraband, raw materials, and equipment worth approximately Rs 13 lakh," the official said.

A probe is underway, though no one has been arrested as yet, he said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)